Vacuum Wound Device

ABSTRACT

A system and method for a vacuum wound device. The system includes a wound vacuum device. The vacuum device includes a compressible sponge, vacuum tubing, and a delivery tube sized to house the wound vacuum device. The wound vacuum device is connected to a vacuum pump which creates and delivers the vacuum.

PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 14/695,755 filedApr. 24, 2015, and claims priority to provisional application.61/984,238 filed Apr. 25, 2014, the entirety of both of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system and method for vacuum woundtherapy.

Description of Related Art

Esophageal perforations are life-threatening conditions whichexperiences a 13.2% mortality rate. The process begins with aninflammatory response to a mediastinal contamination. Without effectivedrainage it can progress to sepsis and septic shock. Surgery is thetypical treatment, but the high mortality rate often persists. Stentshave been attempted, but these suffer from many disadvantages.Consequently, there is a need for device and method of closing andtreating these perforations and other defects absent surgery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are setforth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well asa preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, willbe best understood by reference to the following detailed description ofillustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top view of the components in one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sponge being coupled to the vacuumtubing via sutures in one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a sponge deployed in the human body;

FIG. 4A is a schematic of a delivery system with the sponge in thedelivery position it one embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a schematic, of a delivery system with the sponge in thedeployed position in one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a top view of an embodiment utilizing a net;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum tubing with an internalsupplemental tube.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be described withreference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will beidentified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The inventionillustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absenceof any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

Wound vacuum therapy has been utilized for closure of defects on surfaceareas. The application of such has been limited inside the body. Theutilization of such a technique is hampered by the availability ofdevices to perform the technique.

Wound closure relies upon the migration of epithelial and subcutaneoustissue to the wound. If, however, the wound is infected or too large, azone of stasis forms and prevents the migration of this critical tissue,and consequently, prevents closure of the wound. Sutures or staples areoften used to close wounds. Such mechanical tools offer tension on thetissue and generally result in increased tissue migration to help closethe wound. However, sutures or staples often damage the tissue. Further,some wounds are so infected or inflamed, that closure via sutures orstaples is impossible. Finally, utilizing sutures or staples requiressurgery, which many patients are often too ill to survive. A woundvacuum device overcomes many of these problems associated with suturesor staples.

A wound vacuum device, as used herein, is a device which can be used totreat wounds inside the body by applying a localized vacuum. A woundvacuum device, in one embodiment, removes excess fluid and bacterial,promotes blood flow to the desired tissue, and stimulates cells and cellgrowth. The wound vacuum device is connected to a vacuum pump whichcreates and delivers the vacuum. In one embodiment, high vacuum suctionwith construction of an endoscopic sponge, vacuum tubing, and suture isutilized.

Endoluminal vacuum therapy, utilizing a wound vacuum device, improveshealing by removing infected secretions, reducing edema, increasinglocal perfusion, and promoting granulations tissue formulation. Theresults thus far demonstrate that this therapy has successfully closedesophageal perforations and leaks and done so while achieving lowmortality rates. Vacuum therapy is a cavity focused treatment method. Inone embodiment, the goal is to achieve complete closure of the cavity.Defect closure, in one embodiment, is the byproduct of a successfullyclosed cavity. In one embodiment, the placement can comprise eitherextraluminal placement, intraluminal placement, or combinations thereof.In one embodiment intraluminal placement is ideal for small cavitieswith little depth.

FIG. 1 is a top view of the components in one embodiment. FIG. 1 showsthe sponge 101, which is utilized in the wound vacuum device. A sponge101, as used herein, is a porous device which delivers a vacuum withinthe body and provides a mechanism which heals internal wounds. In oneembodiment the sponge 101 comprises a non-rigid and compressiblematerial. A compressible material is a material whose outside diametercan be easily decreased with minimal force. A common household sponge,for example, is a compressible material. Likewise, metallic frames madefrom materials such as Nitinol, which comprise a memory material and aset shape, are compressible. The sponge 101 material can comprise foam,gauze, metallic structures, etc. In one embodiment the sponge 101comprises a hydrophilic foam that induces granulation tissue. In oneembodiment the sponge 101 comprises Granufoam™ manufactured by KineticConcepts Inc. of San Antonio, Tex.

In one embodiment the sponge 101 comprises antibacterial, antibiotics,and/or antifungal properties. In another embodiment, the sponge 101comprises a hemostatic material. In still other embodiments the sponge101 comprises chemotherapy agents. The additional agents, such as thehemostatic material or the antibacterial can be coated, implanted, orotherwise incorporated into the sponge 101. Further, the sponge 101 canbe manufactured from these materials.

In other embodiments the sponge 101 comprises a collagen, such as anatural collagen. Examples of a collagen include smooth muscle, basementmembrane, lamina propria from human, animal and synthetic sources,bio-engineered material, etc. In still other embodiments, the sponge 101comprises a Cook Oasis wound matrix sold by Smith & Nephew PLC, London,United Kingdom. In still other embodiments the sponge 101 comprises anautolytic debridement material. For example, it can comprise anamorphous hydrogel which gently re-hydrates necrotic tissue,facilitating autolytic debridement while being able to loosen and absorbslough and exudate. Further, in some embodiments, the sponge 101 cancomprise a silicone gel or a hydrocellular foam. The sponge 101, in someembodiments, can comprise natural strengthening cellulose fibers orgelling cellulose ethyl sulphonate fibers. Specifically, in oneembodiment the sponge 101 comprises a material which is 20% naturalstrengthening cellulose fibers and 80% gelling ceullose ethyl sulphonatefibers. In another embodiment the sponge 101 comprises an acellularmatrix. As above, the sponge 101 can be coated or otherwise incorporatethese materials, or the sponge can be manufactured from these materials.

In one embodiment the sponge material can comprise a hydrophobicmaterial. This material has applications in urology, for example. Insome embodiments the sponge 101 can comprise a mixture of materials ofthe materials discussed herein. In other embodiments the sponge 101 cancomprise a hydrophobic and/or a hydrophilic sponge 101.

As discussed, in one embodiment the sponge 101 comprises a hemostaticmaterial. The material can comprise any material which offers hemostaticproperties. In one embodiment the hemostatic material comprisesXStat™manufactured by RevMedx, Inc. of Wilsonville, Oreg. In operation,the vacuum from the vacuum tube 102 connects and couples the sponge 101to the bleeding site and provides some pressure to maintain the sponge101 attached to the bleeding site until hemostasis begins.

In one embodiment the sponge 101 comprises an anchoring device or otheranti-migration device which helps keep the sponge 101 in the desiredlocation. An anchoring device is any device known in the art to keep anobject, such as a stent, lodged in a specified location within a body.These include hooks, areas of increased surface area, stents, etc. Thoseskilled in the art will understand the various tools and mechanism whichcan be utilized on or with the sponge 101 to prevent migration of thesponge 101. Further, in one embodiment, the sponge 101 can be used inconjunction with a stent for closure and wound healing. The stent canoffer anti-migration benefits

The sponge 101 can comprise virtually any desired shape and size,depending upon the application. The sponge can range from about ¼ of aninch to several inches in length. In one embodiment the sponge 101comprises an oblong shape and is about 7 cm in length and about 2 cmwide. The shape of the sponge 101 will depend upon the application. Forexample, in one embodiment the sponge 101 comprises a Y-shape. In onesuch embodiment one upper tip of the “Y” is placed within the lumen ofthe GI tract, the other upper tip of the “Y” is placed into theperforation, and the suction port location on the section within the GItract. In one embodiment the sponge 101 is used in the esophagus andmeasures 10 cm by 3 cm. IN one embodiment in the GI, the sponge is about7 cm by about 2.5 cm. This description is provided only to illustratethe benefits of various shapes, and should not be deemed limiting.

In one embodiment, and as depicted, the sponge 101 is a porous material.The porosity allows the sponge 101 to spread the vacuum across thesurface area of the sponge, decreasing the concentration of a vacuum ata single point. The porous sponge 101 also offers increased surface areaupon which blood cells and other cells can adhere and coagulate, healingthe wound. Further, the sponge 101 acts as a filter. Smaller objects andfluid are allowed to pass, being sucked in by the vacuum and removedthrough the vacuum tubing 102. In one embodiment, the porous nature ofthe sponge 101 allows lavage to dislodge it from the lumen of the bodycavity. The porous nature of the sponge can be used for therapy withinstillation of various medications discussed herein.

As depicted, the sponge 101 comprises two lobes 104 separated by asuture 103. As those skilled in the art will understand, the shape ofsponge 101 can be controlled by placement of the suture or other tubecoupling device 103.

Returning back to FIG. 1, coupled to the sponge 101 is the vacuum tubing102. The vacuum tubing 102 can comprise any medical grade, hollow,tubing which can withstand a vacuum. In one embodiment, the vacuumtubing 102 comprises a nasogastric (“NG”) tube. An NG tube is a tubewhich is generally inserted through the mouth or nose and placed intothe desired location, for example, the esophagus or the stomach.

The vacuum tubing 102 can comprise any suitable material. In oneembodiment, the vacuum tubing 102 comprises plastic. The outer diameterof the tubing can vary according to the application. In one embodimentthe vacuum tubing 102 comprises a gauge between about 6 and 30. In oneembodiment the vacuum tubing 102 comprises a 16 gauge. In one embodimenta 10 french and 16 tubing for the connection is utilized.

The vacuum tubing 102 has a first end 107 and a second end 106. Thefirst end 107 is coupled, either directly or indirectly, to the sponge101, and the second end 106 is coupled, either directly or indirectly,to the vacuum pump 105. In use the first end 107 is downstream from thesecond end 106. As used herein, upstream and downstream refer torelative locations with downstream being a point closer to the wound andupstream being a point closer to the vacuum pump 105. Thus, in operationthe sponge 101 is downstream of the vacuum pump 105, and the vacuum pump105 is upstream of the sponge 101. In one embodiment the vacuum tubing102 is directly coupled to a vacuum pump 105. In other embodiments,however, the vacuum tubing 102 is not directly coupled to a vacuum pump105. In one embodiment wherein the vacuum tubing 102 comprises an NGtube, the NG tube is further coupled at its upstream end to anothertube, and that tube is couple to the vacuum pump 105. In someembodiments, wherein the NG tube is directly coupled to the vacuum pump105, the vacuum pump 105 reads incorrect pressures resulting in falsealarms, such as false lost suction alarms. An intermediate tubing, insome embodiments, reduces these false alarms.

Returning back to FIG. 1, coupling the sponge 101 to the vacuum tubing102 is the tube coupling device 103. The tube coupling device 103 is anydevice which couples the vacuum tubing 102 with the sponge 101. The tubecoupling device 103 can comprise sutures, wires, thread, clamps,magnets, etc. In one embodiment the tube coupling device 103 comprises amaterial that rotates and locks in place. The tube coupling device 103can comprise virtually any material, including but not limited to,metal, plastic, rubber, etc. In one embodiment, and as depicted, thetube coupling device 103 comprises sutures which are sewn through boththe vacuum tubing 102 and the sponge 101.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sponge 101 being coupled to thevacuum tubing 102 via sutures in one embodiment. The first end 107 ofvacuum tubing 102, in one embodiment, is first placed within the sponge101. In one embodiment, the tubing 102 simply pierces the sponge 101 andis placed approximately in the middle of the sponge 101. Thereafter, thesponge 101 is physically coupled to the tubing 102. As depicted, suturesare used as the tubing coupling device 103 to couple the sponge 101 tothe vacuum tubing 102. In one embodiment, sutures pierce the vacuumtubing 102 at least one time, and in some embodiments, two or moretimes. The sutures are sewn through the sponge 101 to physically couplethe sponge 101 to the vacuum tubing 102. Thereafter, the ends of thesutures are tied, cut, or otherwise secured.

Returning back to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 depicts a vacuum pump 105. A vacuumpump 105, as used herein, refers to any device which can create andsupply a vacuum. A vacuum is any pressure below atmospheric pressure.Virtually any negative pressure (vacuum) can be utilized with the woundvacuum device. In one embodiment the vacuum pump 105 is capable ofachieving pressures of between about 0.01 to 0.99 atmospheres. In oneembodiment a continuous high negative suction is utilized. The negativepressure, in one embodiment, is maintained at between about 125 andabout 175 mmHg.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a sponge deployed in the human body.As can be seen, the sponge 101 is deployed into the wound such that itis adjacent to tissue. The vacuum tube 102 is coupled to the sponge 101as well as the vacuum pump 105 (not depicted). Thus, the vacuum tubing102 is delivering a negative pressure to the wound. The negativepressure pulls adjacent tissue, such as epithelial and subcutaneoustissue, to the wound to help heal the wound. Further, the negativepressure pulls and removes bacterial and infectious materials, alsoaiding in the healing. Finally, the negative pressure promotesgranulation tissue. Thus, the negative pressure aids in healing andclosing of the wound.

The sponge 101 and vacuum tubing 102 are left in place for as long asnecessary to heal the wound. In some embodiments, the sponges 101 areleft in place where deployed for as little as less than a day to morethan two weeks, depending upon the clinical situation. In one embodimentthe sponges are changed every 3 to 7 days depending upon the clinicalsituation. In one embodiment changing the sponges every 3 to 4 days hasbeen found to be the optimal time to promote healing. In someembodiments, exposure to secretions and fluids can cause buildup ofmaterial on and inside of the sponge sometimes leading to a reduction insuction or clogging. In one embodiment the sponge is changed on anon-demand basis during the acute infectious period. To monitor when thesponge needs changing, in one embodiment procalcitonin (PCT) levels aredrawn to provide an early indicator of responses. In one embodiment, thesizes of subsequent replacement sponges 101 are modified to account forwound contraction. In some embodiments, as the wound begins to contract,successively smaller sponges 101 are used. This aids in closing thedefect.

Endoscopic placement of wound vacuum devices as constructed by hand areoften difficult to use and potentially complicated by the need forluminal visualization with air insufflation, blind insertions, and sizeof luminal constraints. Disrupted viscera i.e. perforations or fistulasare subject to air leakage with luminal insufflation during endoscopywhich can cause serious life threatening complications including airembolus and cardiac tamponade. The insertion of the sponge withoutcompression requires blind insertion with either the endoscope orovertube which during placement can cause perforation, tears withbleeding or other mechanical complications. The utilization of thedevice with blind insertions is often dangerous and technicallychallenging. Further complications include to air leakage and mechanicalcomplications. Consequently, the lack of a delivery system is adeterrent for its utilization.

FIG. 4A is a schematic of a delivery system with the sponge in thedelivery position in one embodiment. FIG. 4B is a schematic of adelivery system with the sponge in the deployed position in oneembodiment. Turning to FIG. 4A, in one embodiment the delivery systemcompresses the sponge 101 within a catheter 108. The catheter 108 cancomprise any delivery tube which comprises a diameter greater than thediameter of the vacuum tubing 102. As depicted the catheter 108 housesthe compressed sponge 101, the vacuum tube 102, and the guide wire 109.The sponge compression allows a smaller diameter catheter 108 to bepositioned for deployment than if the sponge 101 were not compressed.

The guide wire 109 can comprise any guide wire known in the art. Theoperator uses the guide wire 109 to control and direct the placement ofthe sponge 101. At the desired location, the catheter 108 is withdrawn,and the sponge 101 is allowed to expand. FIG. 4B shows the expandedsponge 101 with the catheter 108 removed.

In one embodiment the sponge 101, vacuum tubes 102, and/or the guidewire 109 comprise markers. Markers allow the operator to determine thelocation of the delivery system within the body. Those skilled in theart will understand the various markers that can be utilized.

There are several benefits in using a system such as that depicted inFIGS. 4A and 4B. First, the guide wire 109 allows the operator to bettercontrol and deliver the sponge 101 compared to blind insertion. Second,as noted above, the use of a catheter 108 or other such sheath allowsfor a more compact delivery mechanism. This allows the sponge 108 to beutilized in smaller spaces and channels than using an uncompressedsponge.

While one embodiment has been discussed wherein the sponge 101 expandsupon removal of the catheter 108, this is for illustrative purposes onlyand should not be deemed limiting. There are several release mechanismsincluding a covering sheath with exposure of the sponge by utilizationof either a plunger device to expose the sponge or withdrawing thesheath over the sponge so that it would become free, or removal of acovering wrap. For example, in one embodiment the sponge 101 isrestricted by a string which is wound about the sponge 101 to constrainthe sponge 101. When the string is removed, the sponge 101 can expand.

FIG. 5 is a top view of an embodiment utilizing a net. Anotheralternative for deployment and/or recapture includes a web-like net 111that can be pulled like a draw string to capture the sponge 101 fordelivery and released within the lumen. The net 111 can comprisevirtually any medical grade material which encompasses the sponge 101.When pulled, the net 11 pulls and directs the sponge 101. If the net111, for example, is pulled within a catheter 108, then the sponge 101will compress within the catheter 108. Likewise, if the catheter 108 isremoved, the sponge 101 will assume the uncompressed state.

As depicted in FIG. 5, the sponge 101 comprises an attaching mechanism110. The attaching mechanism 110 can be coupled to the sponge 101directly, or the attaching mechanism 110 can be attached via the net111. An attaching mechanism 110 is a device which allows the sponge 101to be attached to a delivery and/or removal system. The attachingmechanism 110 can comprise threading, snaps, or other mechanism featureswhich allow the coupling of two objects. As one, non-limiting example,consider the delivery system of FIG. 4 utilizing a catheter 108 and aguide wire 109. In such an embodiment, once deployed, the guide wire 109can be attached to the sponge 101 via the attaching mechanism 110.Accordingly, the catheter 108 and/or the guide wire 109 can be removedwhile leaving the sponge 101 and the vacuum tubing 102 in place. When esponge 101 is to be removed, the guide wire 109, for example, can coupleto the attaching mechanism 110, and pull the sponge 101 to thecompressed position within the catheter 108.

As noted, the delivery system can be placed over a wire or freely passeddepending on the location of therapy intended. The vacuum tubing 102 canbe routed per nasal or per other created ostomy depending on thelocation and nature of the malady. Further, in one embodiment, multiplesmall lumens within the tubing 102 would allow for sensing, monitoring,installation of medications, and optical viewing.

As noted, there are several methods to deploy and remove the vacuumwound device. In one embodiment it is deployed without the use ofendoscopy. In another embodiment the wound vacuum device is placedalongside the endoscope with a release mechanism. In still otherembodiments the wound vacuum device 101 is placed through a workingchannel in the endoscope over a wire or freely into the wound. Othertechniques include over the scope attachment, through the scope,guidewire stent scope withdrawn, an NG tube, and other deploymentmethods known in the art. In one embodiment a piggyback method isutilized whereby the suture is grabbed with forceps and directed to thedesired location. In one such piggyback method, an additional sutureforms a loop at one end of the sponge. The loop of the suture is graspedand guided with a device such as an endoscope. In still anotherembodiment the tube is grabbed with forceps a few centimeters behind thesponge. This allows the sponge to flex backwards on itself. Such amethod has an advantage in that it increases the visualization availableto the user. In another embodiment a rendezvous method is utilized. Inthis method, an open ended drain is accessible with an endoscopic orgastronomic tube. First place the endoscopic forceps down, through, andout of the drain or gastronomic tube, under endoscopic visualization.Next, grab the forceps with another pair of endoscopic forceps placedthrough the scope. Next, interlock each jaw in the closed position. Oncethe forceps are secured, the scope can then be withdrawn through themouth. Now, the sponge 101 is ready to be pulled into place. In oneembodiment, a suture placed at the end of the sponge 101 helps allow thesponge 101 to be pulled into the desired location. In one embodiment thesponge is placed via percutaneous insertion.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum tubing with an internalsupplemental tube. A supplemental tube 112 is an additional tube whichtravels parallel with the vacuum tubing 102 which is used to deliver orremove a substance. The supplemental tube 112 can be located within thevacuum tubing 102 as illustrated, or the vacuum tubing 102 can belocated within the supplemental tube 112. Referring to FIG. 6, in oneembodiment, and as illustrated, the vacuum tubing 102 comprises one ormore supplemental tubes 112. As depicted, the supplemental tube 112 fitswithin the vacuum tubing 102. The supplemental tube 112 can be used todelivery substances such as a saline flush, chemotherapy drugs,medicinal fluids or gels, medicines, antibacterial agents, etc. Inoperation, the vacuum tubing 102 provides the suction and thesupplemental tube 112 simultaneously provides the substance to thewound. Thus, the supplemental tube 112 can be used to supply fluids towash and flush the wound. In one embodiment, the same fluids orsubstance supplied by the supplemental tube 112 can then be removed andwithdrawn by the vacuum tubing 102. In one embodiment the fluid orsubstance being supplied by the supplemental tube 112 travels in theopposite direction from the fluid being withdrawn by the vacuum tubing102. In still other embodiments the supplemental tube 112 can housesensing devices for bacterial, blood, optics, sensors, medications, etc.

The wound vacuum device described herein can be used to close woundslocated throughout the body. The wound vacuum device can be used to healwounds located in in gastrointestinal tract (“GI tract”) and otherorgans. For example, the wound vacuum device can be used for fistulasand perforation of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (smallintestines), as well as colonic applications. In one embodiment thedevice is a remedy for bariatric surgery complications. In still anotherembodiment the device is utilized on devastating injuries where thepatients are too ill to survive surgery. In still other embodiments thedevice is used in other maladies including bladder fistula and pancreas.In still other embodiments the device us used in the abdomen, pelvis,chest, urology, gyn, and other orthopedic and drain applications.

The wound vacuum device described herein can also function as a drain. Adrain is used to remove fluids such as pus, blood, or other fluids, awayfrom a surgical site. Use of the device as a drain is similar to the usedescribed above. The sponge 101 acts as a filter which allows smallerobjects and fluids to be withdrawn into the vacuum and removed via thevacuum tubing 102. Because the sponge 101, in one embodiment, acts as afilter, and due, in part, to the increased surface area, plugging of thesponge 101 is reduced compared to prior art drains. The sponge 101prevents larger items, which could potentially clog or plug the vacuumtubing 102, from reaching the vacuum tubing 102. Further, in oneembodiment the open cell structure of the sponge 101 provides increasedsuction distribution over a larger surface area when compared totraditional draining methods and devices. By providing continuouseffective draining, the device and method discussed herein has adistinct advantage over traditional draining methods and devices in itsability to remove the septic focus.

The sponge 101 can be used to function as a drain in virtually anycircumstance where a drain would typically be utilized. These include,but are not limited to, GI, chest, abdomen, other such orthopedics, etc.When used as a drain, the sponge 101 can be delivered and recapturedusing virtually any of the methods or devices discussed herein.

As noted, the device can be used to close a variety of defects andperforations. One embodiment will now be discussed with regards to anesophageal perforation. This is for illustrative purposes only andshould not be deemed limiting.

In this embodiment the therapy was performed under general endotrachealanesthesia. In other embodiments other types of anesthesia, includingregional blocks and sedation can be used. In still other embodiments, noanesthesia is used. First the cavity is assed to determine the size ofthe defect. Any structures with the cavity are identified, as are anyproblematic drainage areas which could not be drained with vacuumtherapy alone. In some embodiments, a CT scan can be used. The presenceof necrosis is also checked. Next, the cavity is irrigated, anddebrided, if necessary, using methods and devices known in the art.Thereafter, a vacuum tube 102, such as an NG tube, is placed downthrough the nose and back out through the mouth. The sponge is thensecured to the NG tube using methods and devices discussed herein. Inone embodiment, a tunnel within the sponge is created to provide spacefor the NG tube. This tunneling can be created by cutting or otherwiseremoving sponge in the area of the tunnel. In other embodiments thetunnel is created by forcing the NG tube through the sponge. In oneembodiment, all drain holes in the NG tube are covered by the sponge.This helps prevent direct suctioning of tissue. It further helps reduceblockage. In one embodiment, to prevent the sponge from being dislodgedonce placed, a vacuum is applied to the NG tube prior to removing theendoscope.

Treatment with the sponge, in combination with irrigation, anddebridement can result in immediate reduction in the inflammatoryresponse. In one embodiment, the goal of the vacuum therapy is toachieve complete closure of the cavity. In one embodiment, completeclosure refers to cavities which were 1 cm or less in depth, whichillustrated good granulation tissue, and which appeared sealed onendoscopic examination. The complete closure is achieved through acombination of wound contraction, otherwise known as a cavity collapse,as well as granulations formation.

The sponge can be removed by a variety of methods and devices. In oneembodiment the sponge is removed by reversing the steps in which it wasinserted. In one embodiment the sponge is removed via an endoscope. Thesponge is first flushed with saline through the NG tube. Thereafter,either the NG tube or the suture is grabbed with forceps, such as rattooth forceps, and is pulled out of the mouth. In one embodiment theforceps were used to grab the NG tube 1-2 cm behind the sponge. Thisallows the sponge to retroflex backward allowing for bettervisualization. In other embodiments a sutured loop was attached to theend of the NG tube and grasped, and the sponge was guided down inlinewith the endoscope.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following clauses are offered as further description of thedisclosed invention.

Clause 1. A wound vacuum device comprising:

-   -   a compressible sponge;    -   vacuum tubing comprising a first end and a second end, wherein        said first end is coupled to said sponge via a tube coupling        device;    -   wherein said first end of said vacuum tubing is fully        encompassed by said sponge.

Clause 2. The wound vacuum device of any proceeding or preceding claimwherein said second end of vacuum tubing is coupled to a vacuum pump.

Clause 3. The wound vacuum device of any proceeding or preceding claimwherein said sponge further comprises an anchoring device.

Clause 4. The wound vacuum device of any proceeding or preceding claimfurther comprising a net, wherein said net fully encompasses saidsponge, and wherein said net further comprises an attaching mechanism.

Clause 5. The wound vacuum device of any proceeding or preceding claimwherein said vacuum tubing comprises a supplemental tube.

Clause 6. The wound vacuum device of any proceeding or preceding claimwherein said supplemental tube is located within said vacuum tubing.

Clause 7. The wound vacuum device of any proceeding or preceding claimwherein said compressible sponge comprises a Y-shape.

Clause 8. The wound vacuum device of any proceeding or preceding claimwherein said sponge comprises a porous material.

Clause 9. The wound vacuum device of any proceeding or preceding claimwherein said sponge comprises an oblong shape.

Clause 10. A system for use in wound vacuum therapy, said systemcomprising:

-   -   a wound vacuum device comprising:        -   a compressible sponge;        -   vacuum tubing comprising a first end and a second end,            wherein said first end is coupled to said sponge via a tube            coupling device;        -   wherein said first end of said vacuum tubing is fully            encompassed by said sponge.    -   a delivery tube, wherein the delivery tube is sized so as to        house the wound vacuum device.

Clause 11. The system of claim 10 further comprising a guide wire.

Clause 12. The system of any proceeding or preceding claim furthercomprising an attaching mechanism which couples the wound vacuum deviceto the guide wire.

Clause 13 The system of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein saidwound vacuum device further comprises a net which fully encompasses saidsponge.

Clause 14. The system of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein saidnet further comprises an attaching mechanism.

Clause 15. The system of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein saidvacuum tubing comprises a supplemental tube located within said vacuumtubing.

Clause 16. The system of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein saidsupplemental tube houses a sensing device.

Clause 17. The system of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein afluid is pumped toward said wound vacuum device through saidsupplemental tube.

Clause 18. The system of any proceeding or preceding claim furthercomprising markers.

I claim:
 1. A wound vacuum device comprising: a compressible sponge;vacuum tubing comprising a first end and a second end, wherein saidfirst end is coupled to said sponge via a tube coupling device; whereinsaid first end of said vacuum tubing is fully encompassed by saidsponge; a delivery tube, wherein the delivery tube is sized so as tohouse the wound vacuum device and wherein said compressible sponge isconfigured to be placed inside a human body to heal internal wounds; anet, wherein said net fully encompasses said sponge, and wherein saidnet further comprises an attaching mechanism.
 2. The wound vacuum deviceof claim 1 wherein said second end of vacuum tubing is coupled to avacuum pump.
 3. The wound vacuum device of claim 1 wherein said spongefurther comprises an anchoring device and a guide wire.
 4. The woundvacuum device of claim 1 wherein said vacuum tubing comprises asupplemental tube.
 5. The wound vacuum device of claim 5 wherein saidsupplemental tube is located within said vacuum tubing.
 6. The woundvacuum device of claim 1 wherein said compressible sponge comprises aY-shape.
 7. The wound vacuum device of claim 1 wherein said spongecomprises a porous material and wherein said sponge a suture, whereinsaid suture is sewn through said sponge and said vacuum tubing.
 8. Thewound vacuum device of claim 1 wherein said sponge comprises an oblongshape.
 9. A system for use in wound vacuum therapy, said systemcomprising: a wound vacuum device comprising: a compressible sponge;vacuum tubing comprising a first end and a second end, wherein saidfirst end is coupled to said sponge via a tube coupling device; whereinsaid first end of said vacuum tubing is fully encompassed by saidsponge; wherein said wound vacuum device further comprises a net whichfully encompasses said sponge; a delivery tube, wherein the deliverytube is sized so as to house the wound vacuum device and wherein saidcompressible sponge is configured to be placed inside a human body toheal internal wounds.
 10. The system of claim 10 further comprising aguide wire and an anchoring device.
 11. The system of claim 11 furthercomprising an attaching mechanism which couples the wound vacuum deviceto the guide wire.
 12. The system of claim 10 wherein said net furthercomprises an attaching mechanism.
 13. The system of claim 10 whereinsaid vacuum tubing comprises a supplemental tube located within saidvacuum tubing.
 14. The system of claim 15 wherein said supplemental tubehouses a sensing device.
 15. The system of claim 15 wherein a fluid ispumped toward said wound vacuum device through said supplemental tube.16. The system of claim 10 further comprising markers.